Belarusians are safe today, KGB chief asserts
Ivan Tertel, the Chairman of the State Security Committee (KGB), shared some details of the President’s meeting with the leadership and operational staff of the state security bodies
“We all know that the situation around our country is not easy – especially in the southern direction. The State Security Committee occupies a special place in the system of security agencies of our state. We are performing the tasks set by the Head of State on the basis of the operational situation. With this in view, a meeting with the leadership and operational staff of the State Security Committee bodies and key subdivisions has taken place today. The tasks outlined by the Head of State have been specified, taking into account the current situation,” Mr. Tertel said, adding that the State Security Committee is always ready for the evolving situation.
“We predicted the development of events in this regard. We commented on the situation and were ready. Of course, life introduces its own changes, and we must understand that it is necessary to concentrate our special effort in some directions,” he stressed.
The KGB chief also touched upon operational intelligence, saying, “We must know what is happening in the world, report to the country's leadership for making managerial decisions that correspond to our national interests, including in the international sphere.”
Counterintelligence is also of great importance, and Mr. Tertel explained, “We see that unfriendly actions are being carried out against our country. Refresh your memory about the recent moments related to cybersecurity, attacks on our infrastructure facilities. We know for sure that our opponents from foreign intelligence services, political circles know who is doing this and in what ways. We see that no measures are being taken, despite the existence of international law.”
Mr. Tertel recalled the statements of some US leaders that a cyber attack on the United States from the territory of any country would be regarded as a military action, a declaration of war. “We see this situation, using the example of our neighbours, certain states. Unfortunately, we will also think about how to implement these measures and take them,” he added.
The Chairman of the State Security Committee stressed: Belarusians are safe today. According to him, at today’s meeting with the President, problematic aspects related to the Ukrainian events have been touched upon. The Head of State made a specific instruction and placed strict requirement for KGB to defend not only national interests, but also the interests of ordinary citizens. “We are currently fulfilling such instructions of the Head of State. I think that, in the near future, we will be able to inform our public on some aspects of this work, under the President’s instruction. For obvious reasons, I cannot talk about their progress and results yet,” Mr. Tertel explained.
As he emphasised, Belarusians are being manipulated now. “Some citizens give way to these attempts of manipulation, and some are even demonstrating a sort of panic. Ultimately, the actions organised by our media and the explanations of the Head of State make people start to understand the situation that is developing, to appreciate peace and calmness which we are used to experience every day – and this stands high – but which, as we see, not all manage to ensure,” Mr. Tertel noted.
